Cowboy Fora da Lei

The song 'Cowboy Fora da Lei' by Raul Seixas, a renowned Brazilian rock musician and songwriter, is a declaration of individualism and a rejection of societal expectations. The lyrics convey a strong message of nonconformity, as the protagonist expresses a desire to live life on his own terms rather than following the path laid out by authority figures like his parents or societal norms.

In the song, the protagonist resists the pressures to assume roles that do not align with his identity, such as becoming a mayor ('prefeito'), which he fears could lead to his assassination. He also dismisses the need to read newspapers or lie to others, suggesting a disdain for politics and the manipulative nature of the media. The reference to serving the 'Pátria amada' (beloved country) and being expected to shine ('cobra minha luz') indicates a past of fulfilling obligations and now a desire to escape the burden of others' expectations. The fear of dying 'dependurado numa cruz' (hanging on a cross) symbolizes a fear of sacrifice without meaning or recognition.

The chorus emphasizes the protagonist's self-identification as a 'cowboy fora da lei' (outlaw cowboy), a figure that lives by his own rules, contrasting with the fictional 'Durango Kid' who only exists in comic books. This distinction between fiction and reality underlines the protagonist's commitment to authenticity. Raul Seixas's music often challenged the status quo, and this song is no exception, encapsulating the spirit of rebellion and the pursuit of personal freedom that characterized much of his work.